Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.



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A growing number of Boomers are rejecting the hobbies-and-leisure retirement model and thinking about how to keep working. To figure out how to "recareer,"or start second or later-in-life careers, many of us are turning to community college-based programs and private companies. Mentioned in this New York Times article are Coming of Age partners AARP and The Transition Network, both of whom help 50 plusers identify skills and passions and strategize next steps.


AARP has just made finding your Act 2 a bit easier! This advocacy group for 50-plus Americans, and RetirementJobs.com, a job site specializing in paid opportunities for the same demographic, recently announced a partnership. RetirementJobs.com is now the exclusive job search engine on the AARP.com website. This job resource lists positions from hundreds of employers who have been identified as having an express interest in recruiting, hiring, and retaining over-50 workers and who meet AARP's rigorous standards.


Wendy Doniger, a History of Religions professor at the University of Chicago's Divinity School, suggests that we consider life, as described in Ancient Hindu texts, as being divided into three basic stages. First, you study; second, you marry and become a householder; and third, you go and live in the forest. In the forest, you live simply and have time to think about things. This stage is not necessarily retirement; it is more a state of mind when there is a growing sense of contentment and a lessening of striving and competing. Maybe it's time to stop and smell the ... trees. Read more.





 
Professionals who work with adults over 50, caregivers, and students are invited to a morning networking event entitled, "Seniors, Sex, and HIV: The Uncomfortable Conversation,"on November 21st, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 54th and Wynnefield Ave., Philadelphia. Sponsored by the Center on Ethnic and Minority Aging, Inc. (CEMA), the session includes a keynote address by Dr.Christopher Coleman, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Nursing Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, a film, and a panel discussion. Cost: $55 per person. Registration closes November 12th. Call (724) 938-1597 for information.




  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, e-mail details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




Coming of Age partner Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a multi-faceted provider of human services in North Philadelphia, is launching its Junto Aprendemos (Together, We Learn) volunteer program to place experienced, professional adults in volunteer positions throughout Congreso. Volunteers will share their knowledge and expertise to strengthen Latino communities. Among available opportunities are assisting families in finding decent, safe housing; becoming a domestic violence counselor; and taking part in a policy think tank. To learn more and sign-up, contact Michelle at (215) 763-8870 ext.1547.


The Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is recruiting volunteers to share their knowledge of nature and wildlife and link the community to the refuge by offering programs and educational information. The volunteer should have an interest in environmental topics and community outreach and will be trained for specific duties. To learn more about how you can bring nature to more people in the community, contact Suzanne at (215) 365-3318.


Community College of Philadelphia is seeking a full-time Job Placement Coordinator to provide services to single parent/displaced homemakers and/or nontraditional clients enabling them to pursue high-skill, high wage careers and achieve economic independence. This grant-funded position is part of the college's New Choices/New Options Project. The College offers generous health, prescription, and dental benefits; holidays and vacation time; a 403 (B) retirement plan, and more. For information and to apply, click here.




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.

And don't forget to check out our website Community Calendar too!


2:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, Skyline Room, 1901 Vine St., Philadelphia
Nathaniel Popkin, the author of Song of the City, "imagines a future animated by the city's rich past and grounded in its troubled but beautiful present." Popkin has degrees in urban studies and city planning from the University of Pennsylvania and has been writing about cities for 20 years. As Thomas Sugrue, the Kahn Professor of History and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania states, ''To spend time in Popkin's Philadelphia is to see the city anew.'' FREE. For information, call (215) 686-5322.


11:00 am at Gershman Y, Broad and Pine Sts, Philadelphia
Dick Polman, the national political columnist of The Philadelphia Inquirer, will be at the Gershman Y for brunch on the Sunday after Election Day to recap the results, to discuss how the Jewish vote broke in the elections, how well candidates addressed issues of concern to the Jewish community, and what lies ahead for a new administration. Tickets: $20 advance/$25 door includes brunch. Call (215) 446-3021.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Another recap of the election... this time with rising stars in the Democratic and Republican parties Ezra Klein and Reihan Salam. They will analyze the results of the presidential election through their different ideological viewpoints and discuss what campaign strategies worked or failed and what factors actually swayed voters. They will also consider how President Obama will influence policy, his party, and the balance of power between the executive and legislature. FREE. For reservations, call (215) 409-6700.


9:00 am at Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia
Perhaps the most enlightened, genteel, urbane, and humane of American cities, Philadelphia spawned a literary tradition of lurid crime, weird hallucination, and the brooding supernatural. This was the work of three largely forgotten Philadelphia novelists: Charles Brockden Brown (photo), Robert Montgomery Bird, and George Lippard.This exhibition resuscitates these writers and puts them in the company of Edgar Allan Poe, who absorbed their themes and obsessions while he lived in Philadelphia. FREE


10:00 am at National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
Known as “America’s Home for Heroes,” the National Liberty Museum marks Veterans Day weekend (through Wednesday) with free admission for members of the military –retired, active duty and reservist – and their families. Self-guided tours highlight wartime heroes throughout the Museum’s galleries, including a special exhibit honoring Congressional Medal of Honor and Awards of Valor honorees.


1:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., Room 108, Philadelphia
There are thousands of Philadelphians struggling with the burden of high interest rate loans and the threat of foreclosure due to a predatory loan. Before unwittingly subjecting yourself to a bad financial situation or struggling to figure out how to get out of one, attend this informative session. Topics include debt management tips, ways to spot a predatory loan, and steps to protect yourself. The discussion will be led by a Bank of America equity loan officer. FREE. Call (215) 686-5394 for information.


4:00 pm at University of Delaware, Clayton Hall, 100 Pencader Way, Newark, DE
Living a brain healthy lifestyle will be the focus of a forum sponsored by AstraZeneca and the Delaware Mental Fitness Coalition. Dr. Paul D. Nussbaum, noted author and consultant who specializes in aging across the lifespan and promoting brain health, is the keynote speaker. There will also be a panel conversation with inspiring retirees facilitated by Willo Carey, the Executive Director of WHYY's Wider Horizons, a Coming of Age founding partner. FREE. To register, call (302) 255-9882.


6:00 pm at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2557-59 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia
Taller Puertorriqueño, Inc. is proud to present an evening with Junot Diaz, 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner in fiction for The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. There will be a VIP reception with food and wine followed by the general reading and book signing. In its commitment to bring Latino arts, culture, and literature to the masses, Taller brings world-class authors to its North Philadelphia site. To order tickets, call (215) 423-6320.





For You and Those You Care For


Do you keep information about your health and health care services in more than one place? If so, keeping track of all your health care could become easier with a Personal Health Record (PHR). A personal health record (PHR) is a confidential and easy-to-use tool for managing information about your health. A PHR is usually an electronic file or record of your health information and recent services, such as allergies, medications, personal medical facts, and doctor or hospital visits that can be stored in one place, and then shared with others, as you see fit. Read More.

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VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."